World No 1 Halep and coach split

Paris - Darren Cahill, the coach of world No 1 and French Open champion Simona Halep, said on Friday he will take a break from tennis in 2019 for family reasons.

The 53-year-old Australian helped Romanian star Halep to a maiden Grand Slam triumph at Roland Garros in June as well as a year-ending world top spot ro crown their four-year partnership.

He had previously coached Lleyton Hewitt and Andre Agassi.

"I would like to announce that Simona and I will not be continuing our partnership in 2019 purely for family reasons on my part," Cahill wrote on Instagram.

"I'd like to thank Simona for the last 4 amazing years. Her understanding, personality, work ethic, generosity and professionalism made it a pleasure to stand by her side as her coach. Basically, I had the dream job."

Halep, 27, thanked Cahill for his work.

"Thank you so much @darren_cahill for all your hard work and incredible support over the past four years," she tweeted. "I was lucky to have you and what a journey we had."

View this post on Instagram

I would like to announce that Simona and I will not be continuing our partnership in 2019 purely for family reasons on my part. . After much thought and discussion, and many years with 30 plus weeks on the road away from my family, I’ve decided to take a 12 month break from coaching to be home more for support as our children enter important stages of their lives with the final year of high school, sports and college preparations all becoming more time consuming. . I’d like to thank Simona for the last 4 amazing years. Her understanding, personality, work ethic, generosity and professionalism made it a pleasure to stand by her side as her coach. She’s a young woman of total class and someone I respect greatly which is something more important than any result achieved. . Basically, I had the dream job and I want to thank her for making it that way, and the opportunity to work with someone so talented and dedicated. . I wish Simo and her team nothing but continued success and I look forward to supporting her from the sidelines next year. . A special mention to Theo Cercel, Andrei Cristofor and Virginia Ruzici for all of the support, belief, friendship and great work through the years. . And finally, to the Romanian fans that show unwavering passion and support for their girl. You guys rock, seriously. Thanks for adopting this Aussie as one of your own for the last 4 years and making me feel welcome in your country. Mul?umesc ?? . I will continue to work with the ESPN team at the AO, Wimbledon & US Open tournaments in 2019. . Cheers, Darren

A post shared by Darren Cahill (@dc10s) on Nov 9, 2018 at 11:27am PST

Thank you so much @darren_cahill for all your hard work and incredible support over the past four years.

I was lucky to have you and what a journey we had. Wishing you and your family nothing but the best and I'm sure I'll see you soon! ?? https://t.co/hFl28gdXfu

— Simona Halep (@Simona_Halep) November 9, 2018